Mourners gather at candlelight vigil to remember eight-year-old boy described as ‘light of our little village’ who was hit and killed by a car while playing tag near the park in his street
The parents of an eight-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car in Wiltshire have described him as ‘the light of our little village’ as fellow mourners today gathered for a candlelit vigil in the youngster’s memory.
Lennix Sutcliffe was fatally injured while riding a low-down toy scooter in Woodland View, in Dilton Marsh, near Westbury, when a driver plowed into a driveway at around 4.30pm on Saturday, police said.
His parents, Jackie and Chris, paid tribute to their son: ‘Our Lennix was always playing, a happy child who was loved by all and loved by all.
‘He simply loved life and was the light of our little village.
‘He loved Pokemon and his favorite character was Charizard. He was playing today, just playing, taking every ounce of enjoyment that life had to offer.
Mourners gathered in Woodland View, Wiltshire, on Sunday night to pay their respects to Lennix Sutcliffe, who was tragically killed while playing in his driveway on Saturday afternoon
Candles were lit in memory of Lennix, who was described by his parents as ‘the light of our little village’
People hugged each other at the Sunday night gathering to remember Lennix Sutcliffe
Lennix was fatally injured while riding a low-down toy scooter in Woodland View, in Dilton Marsh, near Westbury, when a driver plowed into a driveway at around 4.30pm on Saturday. In the picture: Mourners support each other at the Sunday vigil
‘We as a family are now coming together to support each other. We ask our community to give us both time and space in the days, weeks and months ahead.’
Relatives and residents gathered on Sunday evening at the play area in Woodland View to light candles and pay tribute to the youngster.
People were visibly moved and hugged each other as they laid flowers at the site.
Wiltshire Police said inquiries into the incident remain ongoing by its Serious Collision Investigation Team.
Earlier today, Lennix’s mother paid tribute to her ‘bubbly and friendly’ son who was ‘loved by all’.
Little Lennix had been playing with friends yesterday afternoon on a quiet cul-de-sac in Wiltshire when he was tragically struck.
His grandfather Nigel Sutcliffe was returning from the shops at the time when he heard screams that a boy had been knocked over at Woodland View in Dilton Marsh.
Mr. Sutcliffe, who works at a Tesco warehouse and has received first aid training for his role, ran over with a police officer and tried to give the schoolboy CPR, but sadly he could not be saved.
Lennix’s mother Jackie Meredith told MailOnline today: ‘He was bubbly and kind, loved by everyone. He had so many wonderful friends. His birthday was two weeks ago and he had his whole life ahead of him.’
His grandfather, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma and had chemotherapy, added: ‘I’m devastated. My little shining star is gone.
‘We had a strong bond and we will miss him. I cannot understand how such a thing can happen’.
Lennix had been a pupil at Dilton Marsh Primary School, just a stone’s throw away from the street he grew up on with his six-year-old brother.
Lennix’s mum paid tribute to her ‘bubbly and friendly’ son who was ‘loved by all’
The community has been rocked by the death of 8-year-old boy Lennix Sutcliffe while playing in the street
Little Lennix, 8, had been playing with friends yesterday afternoon on a quiet cul-de-sac in Wiltshire when he was tragically struck yesterday afternoon
Tonight a vigil will be held outside the play area in Dilton Marsh for Lennix as the street tries to come to terms with their loss
Pictured: Police officers at the scene in Dilton Marsh yesterday afternoon following the tragedy
Young people living in the area are said to be confused and unable to understand why Lennix will not be at school on Monday.
Stephen Bosson lives next to the park and his grandchildren were also playing at the time.
He said: ‘The children were playing tag when they came running in and said a boy was under a car. An on-duty police officer and neighbors gave him CPR. They had to try.
‘We are shaken as a community. The children are confused and cannot understand why he is not going to school on Monday.’
Another neighbor, who did not want to be named, was mowing his lawn when he heard screams and went outside.
He said: ‘I saw three people trying to revive him. I don’t know how the kids feel. They say one thing, then they’re all upset.’
Jackie said the whole street had been supportive since the devastating accident.
The place where the young boy was hit last night
Among the tributes and flowers was a card from Lennix’s mother and father
Another from his aunt and uncle said: ‘To our little whirlwind. You literally fill up as much in hearts as you do in space. Fly high angel. We love you so much’
This afternoon, photographs of Lennix, flowers and cards were placed on the fence outside the play park, while tealights were placed on the floor.
A message from his mum and dad read: ‘To my dear boy. Fly high superstar. Love you always mum and dad.’
Another from his aunt and uncle said: ‘To our little whirlwind. You literally fill our hearts as much as you do the room. Fly high angel. We love you so much.’
One written by a child read: ‘Will miss you forever best friend.’
The emergency services were called to the accident at 4.30pm on Saturday, when the road in the village was closed overnight.
The tragic scene saw Wiltshire Air Ambulance run out onto the road along with other 999 responders, but despite their best efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A man in his 30s is being questioned, the police say, as ‘it is normal under these circumstances’.
Tributes have flooded social media this morning, with many paying respects to the boys’ family.
One wrote: ‘What sad news… fly high little man.. sending hugs and love to his family and friends on this sad occasion.’
Witnesses to the collision or anyone with dash cam footage are urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team
The little boy’s family have been informed and are being supported by a specialist. Pictured: Officers at the quiet cul-de-sac
Emergency services were called to a road traffic collision in Woodland View, Dilton Marsh at 4.30pm on Saturday. Image: Police at the scene
Another said: ‘It’s so very, very sad. Sending my thoughts to his family at this most unimaginably horrible time.’
‘Rest in paradise beautiful boy, thoughts are with the family,’ added a third, while a fourth wrote: ‘My condolences to the family, this is so tragic to read.’
The devastating collision happened in Dilton Marsh on the hottest day of the year so far.
The quiet village has a local pub called The Prince of Wales, a nursery and primary school and a parent and toddler group.
Woodland View is a small cul-de-sac with a few newly built houses backing onto a large field. It is close to both primary school and kindergarten.
“Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time,” said a spokesman for Wiltshire Police.
“A man in his 30s is being interviewed as is normal in these circumstances,” they added.
Witnesses to the collision or anyone with dashcam footage are urged to get in touch the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log number 218 of yesterday’s date (13/04).
Witnesses can also contact the team directly by emailing SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk.